Owensboro High School pieced together a rally late in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough as the Red Devils fell 28-14 on the road Friday to Christian Academy-Louisville, the defending 3A state champs. The OHS defense forced multiple turnovers and secured several stops, but the offense struggled to get much going during the season opener.
Owensboro (0-1) head coach Jay Fallin credited CAL (1-0) for their efforts but left the loss with several positives for his young team.
“We have to get off the bus better and be ready to play early,” Fallin said. “It took us a minute to settle in, and when you play a team like that, it’s easy to look up and wonder how you got down.”
The Centurions jumped on the board first with 8:17 left in the first quarter. Owensboro’s Evan Hampton responded with an 89-yard kickoff return to the end zone that officials called back for a hold.
The Red Devils defense stayed strong, forcing a fumble with 3 minutes left in the first quarter. However, OHS followed that with a fumble of their own, setting the Centurions up for a 22-yard touchdown catch to extend their lead to 14-0.
CAL struck again just before the half with a 76-yard run followed by a 5-yard touchdown pass to make it 21-0.
OHS found momentum down three touchdowns when quarterback Trevor DeLacey connected with receiver Evan Hampton for a 51-yard reception. That set Chadyn Morris up for a 22-yard receiving touchdown and ignited a fire in the Red Devils’ defense.
Owensboro had a goal-line stand on the ensuing possession before going three-and-out after taking over on its 2-yard line. With the score still 21-7, Lake Wilson reeled in an interception and returned it 21 yards to the CAL 44-yard line, but OHS could capitalize on the drive.
A costly turned into another touchdown for the Centurions to put them up 28-7 at the start of the fourth quarter. Delacey responded with a 48-yard keeper to cut the deficit to 28-14. OHS continued to make stops but couldn’t find the end zone again.
“We made some adjustments at the half and came out strong,” Fallin said. “We started to string some stops together but struggled to finish offensively. I’m still proud of how our team fought.”
Owensboro returns to action at Rash Stadium next Friday to host 5A nemesis Bowling Green.
“We knew we were young and only returned a few players with varsity experience, so we knew there would be some growing pains,” Fallin said. “I’m pleased with where we are at. Now, we’re right back at it, preparing for Bowling Green next week.”
